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China rejected a joint statement by the U.S., the Philippines and other countries on Sunday, saying it “firmly” upholds its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea on the 10th anniversary of an international tribunal ruling rejected by Beijing.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China would take “resolute” measures to defend its rights and interests in response to what it described as “infringements and provocations” by certain countries in the waterway.
The statement came after Japan, the Philippines, the U.S., Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, New Zealand, Romania, Slovenia and the U.K. issued a joint statement marking the anniversary of the tribunal ruling.
The joint statement said China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea “have no legal basis.”
The Philippines won the 2016 case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which found that China’s claim of sovereignty in the South China Sea had no basis under international law.
Beijing rejects the decision.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China does not accept or recognize the “award” and opposes any claim or action based on it.
“China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall not be affected by the award under any circumstances,” the ministry said.
China said it does not accept any “imposed” solution on territorial issues or maritime delimitation disputes.
Beijing said it remains steadfast in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The ministry said China’s measures to defend its rights and interests are “reasonable, legitimate, professional, and restrained.”
It also accused the U.S. and other external countries of consistently reinforcing their military presence in the South China Sea, “throwing their weight around” and “fanning the flames.”
“These acts of militarization and coercion constitute the primary challenge to the current situation in the South China Sea,” the ministry said.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing remains committed to resolving disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned.
It said such talks should be based on respect for historical facts and carried out in accordance with international law to maintain peace and stability in the waterway.
China and the Philippines have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.
The waterway is one of the world’s busiest trade routes, carrying trillions of dollars in annual trade.
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